3D Puzzle Container Locking Tabs Against Surface Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional three-dimensional jigsaw puzzles and containers lack stability against forces normal to the surface, and existing promotional items fail to effectively convey concepts of teamwork and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A container with a liner and self-supporting three-dimensional puzzle pieces connected by interlocking tabs and recesses, featuring a lock and twist-lock or bayonet connection to prevent displacement, and beveled tabs and recesses for assembly stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional tab and recess cuts are used to connect puzzle pieces, then the puzzle pieces can be assembled together, but they cannot withstand forces normal to the surface of the puzzle
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into separate functional elements: tabs with lips on puzzle pieces and corresponding recesses with ledges on adjacent pieces. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently for its specific function of resisting normal forces while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from traditional planar tab-and-recess cuts to a three-dimensional structure where lips extend from tabs and ledges are formed in recesses. This dimensional change enables the connection to withstand forces normal to the puzzle surface while preserving the simplicity of the assembly process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If puzzle pieces are made free-standing in three dimensions, then they can form a three-dimensional structure, but they lack stability against displacement normal to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The puzzle piece connection system is segmented into discrete tabs and recesses with specific geometric features (lips and ledges). This segmentation provides stability against displacement while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular, repeatable connection elements that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific geometric features (lips on tabs, ledges in recesses) are applied locally at the connection points of puzzle pieces. This local quality enhancement provides targeted stability against displacement normal to the surface without increasing overall manufacturing complexity, as only the connection regions require the additional geometric features.
3Shape
If traditional flat jigsaw puzzles are used, then they are simple to assemble, but they lack the three-dimensional shape and structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The puzzle design transitions from a two-dimensional flat assembly to a three-dimensional structure by adding depth to the puzzle pieces and their connection features. This dimensional change enables the puzzle to achieve both the desired three-dimensional shape and structural integrity through the interlocking lips and ledges that resist displacement in all directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A three dimensional puzzle assembly 12 is formed of a plurality of puzzle pieces 18. The puzzle pieces 18 have tabs 28 that are received in recesses 30. The tabs 28 and recesses 30 have cooperating engagement features 32, 34 that prevent adjacent puzzle pieces from being displaced in a direction normal to an exterior surface of the puzzle pieces. The puzzle assembly 12 defines a guide 24 in which a lock 20 may be attached. A bayonet connector 88, 90 may be used to attach a liner 14 to the lock through a hole 52 in the puzzle assembly. A retainer 54 on the liner 14 may pass through the hole 52 and engage the lock 20.